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Cold New Year's Eve May Keep Partiers at Home

(ABC 6 News) -- Like most bars, Dooley's Pub in Rochester is expecting large crowds this New Year's Eve.

“It’s a very big night for us. It's up there with St. Patrick's Day and Halloween," said Michael Vogel, entertainment director at Dooley’s.

But unlike those other holidays, the new year is expected to arrive with wind chills well below zero, leading some to second guess venturing outside.

“It’s dangerous to be out and about when you're sober, let alone when you might be under the influence,” Sgt. Joe Milli of the Austin Police Department said.

“Some people are going out, but for the most part I think people are just having parties at home or just staying home and relaxing," said Kyle Reinhardt, manager of Buckeye Liquor Store in Rochester.

Reinhardt’s store was busy all day Monday with people purchasing holiday spirits to enjoy at home rather than at the bar. It seems many people are content with ditching the party in favor of more cozy surroundings.

But bar workers don't seem too worried, saying partiers will still go where the party is.

“The cold might keep a few people home but I think if you're coming out, you're coming out for the night," Vogel said.

And while the cold certainly won't stop everyone from leaving their homes, for some, it's just not worth the hassle.

“To go out and about and have to catch a cab ride home, you know it's pretty cold to wait outside for a cab. Might as well stay home and be safe," Reinhardt said.

Authorities urge people to find those safe rides home. Minnesota is trying to go five straight years without a drinking and driving fatality on New Year’s Eve.